See Your Favorite Celebrities at Their Very First VMAs Diane J. Cho, Alex ApatoffTue, September 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM UTC 0 Credit: ANDREAS BRANCH/PatrickMcMullan.com via Getty; Michael Loccisano/Getty; Kevin Mazur/WireImage The MTV VMAs have been highlighting the boldest and brightest artists in music for more than 40 years. And, unsurprisingly for an event that celebrates how powerful the visuals in a music video can be, these stars are all about making an aesthetic impact on the red carpet.
See Your Favorite Celebrities at Their Very First VMAs
Diane J. Cho, Alex ApatoffTue, September 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM UTC
0
Credit: ANDREAS BRANCH/PatrickMcMullan.com via Getty; Michael Loccisano/Getty; Kevin Mazur/WireImage
The MTV VMAs have been highlighting the boldest and brightest artists in music for more than 40 years. And, unsurprisingly for an event that celebrates how powerful the visuals in a music video can be, these stars are all about making an aesthetic impact on the red carpet.
Madonna was at the first MTV Video Music Awards show back in 1984 wearing an indelible lace look, and she’ll return in 2026 as the most-nominated artist of the year. She’s been followed by megastars-in-the-making including Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, all of whom were once fresh-faced newbies making their VMAs debut. See photos from stars’ first ever VMAs — including those nominated for multiple awards in 2026, such as Shakira, Sabrina Carpenter and Bruno Mars — below.
01 of 16
Madonna
Credit: Sonia Moskowitz/Getty
The “wedding dress” she wore to the very first VMAs in 1984 set off a cultural firestorm, and more than 40 years later, the Queen of Pop is still dominating the stage — racking up 11 nominations for the 2026 ceremony.
02 of 16
Ariana Grande
Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
The Sweetener singer got all dolled up in a floral-print dress and white pumps during her 2013 debut.
03 of 16
Bad Bunny
Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
We’re glad someone took more photos of Bad Bunny’s 2019 VMAs debut; even though his face was covered, he’s still unmistakably a superstar in the making.
04 of 16
Sabrina Carpenter
Credit: Paul Zimmerman/WireImage
It’s hard to believe Sabrina didn’t hit the VMAs scene until 2018; she seems like she’s been commanding the stage like a pro for ages.
05 of 16
Justin Bieber
Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty
He’s now a happily married dad, but he was once just a 15-year-old music prodigy with an extremely shiny side-swept cut in 2009.
06 of 16
Shakira
Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Shakira was proving her “Hips Don’t Lie” as far back as 2001 — five years before that song became her breakout English-language single.
07 of 16
Lady Gaga
Credit: Stephen Lovekin/FilmMagic
No one does a red carpet moment better than Gaga, though this eye-catching 2009 debut ensemble was tame compared to what she’d eventually wear in subsequent years.
08 of 16
Advertisement
Bruno Mars
Credit: ANDREAS BRANCH/Patrick McMullan via Getty
Bruno Mars has been in attendance since 2010, and we’re guessing he will look similarly stylish at this year’s ceremony, where he’s nominated for five awards.
09 of 16
Destiny’s Child
Destiny’s Child in 2000Credit: Dave Hogan/Getty
Gone are the days when the R&B group would show up to awards shows and performances in coordinated looks created by Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles. This amazing throwback captured their 2000 look when the show was held at N.Y.C.’s Radio City Music Hall.
10 of 16
Taylor Swift
Credit: ANDREAS BRANCH/Patrick McMullan via Getty
Swift was still a budding country singer in 2008 when she graced the carpet with her then-signature long curls and pale pink skater dress.
11 of 16
The Jonas Brothers
Credit: NDREAS BRANCH/Patrick McMullan via Getty
The band of brothers love their color-coordinated suits. Check out their 2008 carpet outfits, complete with Joe and Nick’s rolled-up sleeves and Kevin’s all-black ensemble that had an interesting metallic sheen. Joe’s bangs and Nick and Kevin’s cute curls are an added bonus to these legendary looks.
12 of 16
John Legend
Credit: Evan Agostini/Getty
In 2005, John Legend was still trying out some new style vibes, including this super-cinched blazer.
13 of 16
Miley Cyrus
Credit: ANDREAS BRANCH/Patrick McMullan via Getty
Cyrus and then-boyfriend Nick Jonas had just broken up when she hit the 2008 VMAs carpet.
14 of 16
Shawn Mendes
Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty
The “Señorita” singer gave us a sign during his 2015 debut.
15 of 16
Katy Perry
Credit: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage
The star was riding high on her mega-hit “I Kissed a Girl” when she wore this sparkly halter top and purple kitten heels to the 2008 award show.
16 of 16
Fall Out Boy
Credit: Evan Agostini/Getty
The year 2005 was all about smudged black eyeliner, side-swept bangs and emo attire, and no one did it better than these rockers.
on People
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: September 1, 2026 at 01:09PM on Source: PRIME TIME
#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle
